Missouri governor says he’ll likely pardon armed St. Louis couple if they are charged
BY Herschel Smith
4 years, 4 months ago
The governor of Missouri does not expect the armed St. Louis couple who defended their home to go to jail, and he would be willing to pardon them if it came down to it.
Mark and Patricia McCloskey garnered internet fame, condemnation, and praise after photos and videos of them defending their home went viral. Approximately 500 protesters marched into a gated community in the wealthy Central West End neighborhood on June 28. The two St. Louis attorneys were prepared to protect their mansion and were caught on camera wielding guns.
St. Louis police served a search warrant on lawyers the McCloskeys earlier this month. Police confiscated the couple’s firearms that they were armed with during the tense encounter with demonstrators in June – an AR-15 rifle and a handgun.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, the prosecutor who is handling the case, said, “We must protect the right to peacefully protest, and any attempt to chill it through intimidation or threat of deadly force will not be tolerated.”
While there have yet to be charges filed against the couple, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) said he would pardon the McCloskeys if they are charged for brandishing firearms at a group of protesters outside their home.
Parson made the revelation on Friday during an appearance on “The Marc Cox Morning Show” on 97.1 FM in St. Louis. Parson said the McCloskeys “did what they legally should do” in protecting their property.
“A mob does not have the right to charge your property,” Parson stated. “They had every right to protect themselves.”
When asked if he would pardon the St. Louis couple if charges were filled, Parsons replied, “I think that’s exactly what would happen,” according to The Hill.
I don’t even think it will get that far. And as for strategy, I believe that reader Ron has hit the nail on the head.
It’s NOT the Castle Doctrine that they should be talking about.
What they should be talking about is that Missouri has a “Stand Your Ground” law.
There is NO duty to retreat if in “imminent threat of deadly harm” ANYWHERE you have a legal right to be.
The same applies to protecting another person if they are in “imminent threat of deadly harm”.PUBLIC or Private, as long as you have a right to be there. [see Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXVIII § 563.031 below]
No rule about “within 21 feet” or whatever.
Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXVIII. Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders § 563.031. Use of force in defense of persons
1. A person may, subject to the provisions of subsection 2 of this section, use physical force upon another person when and to the extent he or she reasonably believes such force to be necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful force by such other person, unless …
3. A person does not have a duty to retreat:
(1) From a dwelling, residence, or vehicle where the person is not unlawfully entering or unlawfully remaining;
(2) From private property that is owned or leased by such individual; or
(3) If the person is in any other location such person has the right to be.
Furthermore, Missouri is an open carry state. So there is ample data to show that the McCloskeys didn’t do anything wrong, if they get a good attorney.
On July 19, 2020 at 10:55 pm, Dan said:
Of course the McCloskey’s did nothing wrong. That is not the point. The point is the agenda driven abusive Prosecutor abusing her position of power. Remember….The Process IS The Punishment. Win or Lose in court the McCloskey’s will suffer.
On July 20, 2020 at 2:45 pm, penses said:
Police State 101.
“Police confiscated the couple’s firearms.”
Correction. Police stole the couples firearms at the point of a gun. Just like at a traffic stop the police steal you drivers license. Both guns and licences are bought and paid for. They are your property. My country tis of thee, sweet land of felony.
On July 20, 2020 at 9:47 pm, Peteypete said:
Can any documents currently be obtained (FOIA)? If statements at pre-trial and corresponding/subsequent docs were entered into court records which counsel filed with defendant pleading not guilty claiming self defense and citing Castle Doctrine, then is that the limit of the defendant’s argument?
On July 20, 2020 at 11:04 pm, penses said:
Missouri governor says
“When asked if he would pardon the St. Louis couple if charges were filled, Parsons replied, “I think that’s exactly what would happen,” according to The Hill.”
What’s there to think about.
Reading between the lines, “Whichever way the political winds are blowing will weight heavily on my decision.” I see, said the blind man.